nondiegetische

Nondiegetische, often translated as nondiegetic or non-diegetic in English, refers to elements in a film that lie outside the diegesis, the fictional world of the story. These elements are not perceived by the characters within the film, though they are experienced by the audience. The concept contrasts with diegetische elements, which originate in the story world and can be heard or seen by the characters.

Common nondiegetische elements include the musical score, which accompanies scenes but is not heard by the characters, as well as opening and closing credits and sometimes external voice-over narration that exists outside the characters’ reality. Subtitles or onscreen captions intended for the audience, rather than for the characters within the story, can also be considered nondiegetic. Nondiegetic sound, in general, is audience-facing and not part of the characters’ audible environment.

The purpose of nondiegetische devices is to shape mood, tone, and interpretation, provide commentary, or convey information that would be inaccessible within the story world. Music can signal emotion or foreshadow events, while narration can offer insights beyond the characters’ perspective. Editors and composers use these elements to guide audience reaction, pace, and thematic emphasis.

Lines between diegetic and nondiegetic can blur, such as when a narrator is a character within the film or when music becomes part of the perceived world in unusual ways. The concept remains a fundamental part of film theory and sound design, applicable across film, television, and multimedia storytelling.